How to Layer Skincare Products for Maximum Results and Healthy Skin
Oils, serums, creams, toners, mists. The skincare list goes on and on. You were told these products would work, but you’re not seeing any real results. Sound familiar? The problem might not be the products themselves but how you’re layering them. Order matters in the skincare world and incorrect layering can lead to skincare problems. But layering doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s make you a pro on how to layer skincare products.
Incorrect layering can lead to products not being able to penetrate through previous layers. This means your products won’t absorb into your skin, and you won’t be enjoying the full benefits of each product. And worse, you could even end up with irritation, burning, or redness—especially if you have sensitive skin. You may also see flare-ups with acne and other skin conditions with improper skincare layering.
2. Toner – Toner is an optional step and is great for pH balance or hydration.
3. Treatment Serums – These specialty products help you meet your specific skincare goals. Examples include vitamin C for skin brightening and ceramides for hydration.
4. Eye Cream – Target the delicate under-eye skin in this step.
5. Moisturizer – This step seals in hydration and allows your previous products to absorb fully instead of drying out.
6. Sunscreen – Finish your routine with mineral sunscreen if you’re planning on being outdoors for long periods of time. And if you’re not, maybe consider leaving this step off to get some much-needed vitamin D.
2. Cleanser – Just like in the AM, cleansing provides you with a solid base for your other products. You may want to double cleanse if you wear makeup or hit the gym regularly.
3. Treatment Serums – Similar to the AM, these are based on your skin needs.
4. Moisturizer or Night Cream – After a long day, put some hydration back into your skin with a moisturizer.
5. Facial Oil or Occlusive – Lock everything in with an occlusive or facial oil. This step guarantees your products can work their magic all night long. Want a pro pick? Our Illumine Face Oil provides a vitamin C boost for a glowing complexion. Or try something like our Serene Face Oil if you have sensitive skin.
Why Order Matters in Skincare
Skincare is like cooking. You need specific ingredients to get the meal you want, but if you cook them in the wrong order, you might end up with something inedible. The same goes for your skincare. Apply your products in the wrong order and you won’t get the results you want.Incorrect layering can lead to products not being able to penetrate through previous layers. This means your products won’t absorb into your skin, and you won’t be enjoying the full benefits of each product. And worse, you could even end up with irritation, burning, or redness—especially if you have sensitive skin. You may also see flare-ups with acne and other skin conditions with improper skincare layering.
How to Layer Skincare Products: The Golden Rules
If you feel overwhelmed by all the options, products, and steps, stick to these 3 rules to keep your routine simple and effective:- Thinnest to thickest: Start with watery products and end with heavier ones.
- Water-based before oil-based: Oil repels water. Apply water-based products first so they can actually absorb.
- Actives first, occlusives last: Let your treatment products hit the skin first. Finish with a heavy moisturizer or oil to seal everything in.
Your Step-by-Step Skincare Layering Guide (AM & PM)
Your skin type and concerns will help you determine the order. Drier skin will emphasize heavier creams and serums, and you may want to forgo drying products like retinol. Skin concerns like hyperpigmentation will incorporate more serums, spot treatments, and other specialty products. This step-by-step guide will help you know what you need, what to leave out, and when to apply:Morning Routine
1. Cleanser – No matter your skincare goals, you should always start with clean skin. This will remove impurities and allow for maximum absorption of the products that follow.2. Toner – Toner is an optional step and is great for pH balance or hydration.
3. Treatment Serums – These specialty products help you meet your specific skincare goals. Examples include vitamin C for skin brightening and ceramides for hydration.
4. Eye Cream – Target the delicate under-eye skin in this step.
5. Moisturizer – This step seals in hydration and allows your previous products to absorb fully instead of drying out.
6. Sunscreen – Finish your routine with mineral sunscreen if you’re planning on being outdoors for long periods of time. And if you’re not, maybe consider leaving this step off to get some much-needed vitamin D.
Evening Routine
1. Makeup Remover/Cleansing Oil – Obviously, this step is for the makeup wearers. Skip it if it doesn’t apply to you.2. Cleanser – Just like in the AM, cleansing provides you with a solid base for your other products. You may want to double cleanse if you wear makeup or hit the gym regularly.
3. Treatment Serums – Similar to the AM, these are based on your skin needs.
4. Moisturizer or Night Cream – After a long day, put some hydration back into your skin with a moisturizer.
5. Facial Oil or Occlusive – Lock everything in with an occlusive or facial oil. This step guarantees your products can work their magic all night long. Want a pro pick? Our Illumine Face Oil provides a vitamin C boost for a glowing complexion. Or try something like our Serene Face Oil if you have sensitive skin.
Special Products & How to Fit Them In
- Masks: Masks are great for added moisture and an overall pick-me-up. Use them once a week after cleansing but before moisturizing to give your skin a boost.
- Exfoliants: Exfoliating is a great way to buff away dead skin. Aim to exfoliate one or two times a week depending on your skin needs and sensitivity. You should exfoliate after cleansing but before moisturizing. Don’t forget your lips need exfoliating too! In fact, you can exfoliate them more frequently than your face. Just make sure to use a gentle scrub to prevent irritation.
- Spot Treatments: Get rid of pesky areas with a spot treatment. Apply after toning but before using serums.
- Face Mists: This product should be applied as a hydrating touch-up throughout the day or as a boost for your moisturizer.
Skincare Layering Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best products can’t fix improper skincare layering. Avoid these mistakes to get the most out of your products:- Using too many actives at once. This can strip your skin of moisture and disrupt your skin barrier.
- Not waiting between layers. This allows ample time for each product to do its thing before adding another layer.
- Using incompatible ingredients together. At best, your products will cancel each other out, and at worst, your products may cause skin issues like redness and burning.
